The Flames of Freedom

I’ve been seeing a lot of photos and conversation lately concerning the desecration of the American Flag. I wish I could say that most of the conversations have been comprised of intelligent, reasonable discourse over the importance of the First Amendment and the concerns of those who burn or trample the flag, but sadly this is not so.

What I have seen rather, is the usual bigoted, “Love it or Leave it” sort of blind patriotism that all too often dominates these conversations. Allow me to illustrate. This meme was recently posted by a conservative Facebook page.

Fair and Balanced

“One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity there ain’t nothing can beat teamwork.” ~ Edward Abbey

 

“Damn Obamacare!” said Floyd as he sipped his beer.

“Yep, I know what you mean” said Archie, sitting next to Floyd.

“Worst thing to happen to this country since the plague kilt all them people back in… what was it? The 1800’s?” Floyd asked.

“Worse than that even” said Archie turning to his friend and co-worker. “I heard on Fox News that they just found out that the reason Saddam attacked the Twin Towers on 9/11 was cuz of Obama.”

“Sheeet, is that right?” asked Floyd. He paused for a moment to take another sip of his beer. “Well I didn’t vote for him, that’s fer sure.”

“Hell, no one I know voted for him” said Archie. “I think it’s all a conspiracy. I don’t think he won the election at all. Bet it was the liberal media that just said he won and everyone believed them.”

Extinction of an Industry

Could this be the future of energy?

Could producers of fossil fuels eventually go the way of the dinosaur? Some feel that it’s only a matter of time before pressure from the free market pushes the oil and coal industries out of business. With demand for alternative energy sources growing and the cost of producing clean energy shrinking, the planet may be going through a metamorphosis that will ultimately leave fossil fuels in the dirt.

An End to the Patriot Act?

Could it really happen?

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~ Benjamin Franklin

When I saw this article, my heart seemed to skip a beat. “Could it be true?” I wondered? From what I’ve read, it seems that it is. Two very bold Congressmen, Rep Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Rep Thomas Massie (R-KY) have introduced a Bill, the Surveillance State Repeal Act (H.R. 1466), that would effectively repeal the 2001 Patriot Act and severely curtail the powers of the US government to spy on it’s citizens. I wanted to get up and dance in my excitement. I didn’t, but I wanted to.

How much does your Fear cost?

The Walking Dead Theorem

Where’s Brad Pitt when you need him?

 

In a zombie apocalypse world, who would fare better? The liberal or the conservative? Post apocalyptic life would require innovation, efficient community and use of resources, a form of group oriented government and respect for and active involvement in the protection of the environment. Which group embodies those traits more?

Cruzin’ For a Bruisin’

Isn’t he special?

The more I read about Senator Ted Cruz, the Republican from Texas who recently announced his candidacy for President, the more I like him. As a Liberal, I find that he embodies so much of what I oppose: He’s anti-climate change, opposes immigration reform, anti-choice, fought against health care reform, oh heck, the list goes on. So why would I like him? Because if he wins the Republican nomination the Democrats could run nearly anyone against him and win. He’s the new Michele Bachmann.

The Energy Game

Like many people, I have a hard time understanding why opposition to climate change still exists and why the proponents of the notion that climate change is a farce are so adamant and tenacious about their position. After all, the evidence that climate change is happening and that it is being impacted by human existence is overwhelming.

Why Scott Walker is a Douchebag

Ok, it’s time for the claws to come out. (Boy, that didn’t take very long, did it?) It’s easy to take pot shots at politicians because well, usually they deserve it. And they are easy targets. But few get under my skin like Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.